Felipe Santiago

Felipe Santiago passed away September 8, 2021 after a lengthy but courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Though the disease eventually claimed his life, it never stole his spirit.

A memorial service will be held at 6:00 p.m., Friday, November 19, 2021 in Amarillo, Texas at The Loft Church to celebrate the lives of both Felipe Santiago and his wife Rose.

Felipe was born to Rafael and Andrea Santiago in Ponce, Puerto Rico on May 2, 1946. He was one of five children. His family immigrated to New York where he graduated high school before enlisting in the United States Army. After serving in the Armed Forces and fighting in the Vietnam War, he met and married the love of his life, Rosemarie Margaret Carnahan.

He was a hardworking family man who always put his wife and children first. He and his wife Rose raised a blended family of 8 children on meager means, but never failed to provide for them. Their life together wasn’t easy, but they were soulmates determined to fight for each other and their family. He worked full-time serving low-income families, and managed to pursue higher education while working and balancing family life. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and went on to complete his Master’s Degree in the same field.

Felipe always found joy in the little things and loved to read and dance to Tejano music. He considered his greatest blessings to be his children and grandchildren, but ice cream probably would have made the list as well.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Rafael and Andrea Santiago, and his beloved wife, Rose.

They are survived by their 8 children: Stephen Santiago of Houston, Rafael Santiago of Navasota, Tabitha (Mike) Bartlett of Amarillo, Andrea (Brian) Jones of Amarillo, Misty Santiago of Lubbock, Rachel (Marc) Bartoskewitz of Ranger, Brandon Carnahan of Amarillo, Felipe Santiago, Jr. of Amarillo: their 10 grandchildren: Tony, Danielle, Orlando, Tatiana, and Cameron (Rafael), Tyler and Makayla (Tabitha) Alexea (Andrea) Maddin and Reagan (Rachel): and Felipe’s siblings Cuqi (Puerto Rico), Idaly and Gene (New York) and Annie (Houston).